If you have the need for great speed while you sprint across that track, the right shoes can make a huge impact on how well all that hard work pays off.
Whether you are training for short bursts for long races or just for races with a short to medium distance, the best training shoes for sprinters can be the defining factor between victory or loss.
The best training shoes for sprinters are lightweight, while their soles are more or less stiff for added stability. At the same time, the bottoms of the shoes need to provide the right amount of grip on the racing track to help push you forward in your quest for greatness.
Not all racing shoes are made the same
For some serious training to sprint on the track and the training that goes into it, your shoes are supposed to have spikes. They also need to be lightweight and have stiff soles.
The spikes are amazing for helping you propel yourself forward with greater speeds. The only thing is, you cannot expect to use them for normal running or walking anywhere else. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the options you can consider.
Review: Brooks QW-K v2
These are arguably the best training shoes for sprinters looking to make 400-meter sprints on the track. The spike plate is pretty rigid and holds seven spikes that are located specifically for this purpose.
There is a Pebax spike plate on the bottom while a nylon plate for the interior of the shoe to give it the maximum amount of strength without making it too heavy. The upper wrap of the shoe is comfortable and wraps around the foot to make it fit like a sock.
Brooks 2 Qw-k Running Spikes
by Brooks
Review: Brooks ELMN8 v3
Brooks is a specialized shoe manufacturer and it comes as no surprise that the list of the best training shoes for sprinters has two of their models. The ELMN8 v3 features a design for the spike plate made for longer distances between 400 to 1,200 meters.
Another key factor, which makes them amazing shoes for sprinters is the woven wrap that is designed to provide compression and support to the feet for long-distance running as well as bursts of speed. A carbon-fiber interior with a full-length eight-pin spike plate adds extra help and aids propulsion.
Brooks 3 ELMN8 Track Spikes
by Brooks
Review: Under armor SpeedForm Sprint 2
Under Armour is one of the leaders when it comes to the best training shoes for sprinters. Their SpeedForm Sprint 2 is one of the reasons why they are the very best manufacturers for sprinters around the world.
The proprietary SpeedForm construction allows these shoes to mold around the foot for the best performance. The upper heel cup is embroidered and joins the silicone grip seamlessly to provide excellent support for your foot. This factor also allows the shoe to lock your foot into place and provide its support through the fastest sprints.
This is ideal for shorter sprints of up to 400 meters. The full-length spike plate is strong, rigid and it is light to provide the perfect strength to weight ratio for the sprinter.
Under Armour Speedform Sprint 2
by Under Armour
Final thoughts
Choosing one out of these three pairs of the best training shoes for sprinters really depends on the application you have in mind. Each of them offers a different range of functionality over certain distances and their own comfort levels.
These are some of the best out there so choose the ones which match your sprinting needs the most, whether you’re going for the 100-meter sprint or the 1200-meter race, the corresponding shoes will not disappoint.
Last Updated on May 9, 2020 by Nick J-Pepe